Birch Hollow Canyon

Beta for Birch Hollow Canyon near Zion National Park

Duration

5

- 7 hrs.

Rating

3

Technical Class Indicates the technicality of the terrain and the tyoe of rope work require.

1 - 

Canyon Hiking Non-technical. No rope is required. See the route description for difficulties.

2 - 

Basic Canyoneering Scrambling, easy climbing or downclimbing. A rope may be handy for handlines, belays, lowering packs and emergency use. Exit or retreat possible upcanyon without fixed ropes.

3 - 

Intermediate Canyoneering Rappels or technical climbing and/or downclimbing. A rope is required for belays and single-pitch rappels. Retreat upcanyon would require fixing ropes.

4 - 

Advanced Canyoneering Aid climbing, multi-pitch rappels and/or complex rope work (such as re-belays, tyrollean traverse, or guided rappels) may be required. Might also require difficult pothole escapes, serious squeezing, extensive high-risk downclimbing, or have difficult-to-establish natural anchors. Rappels longer than 200 feet will usually earn a canyon a Class 4 rating.

A

Water Rating indicates complications due to flowing or still water, under normal conditions.

A - 

Normally dry or with very little water. Wading to waist deep at most.

B - 

Water with no current or light current. Still pools. Falls are normally dry or running at a trickle. Swimming expected.

C - 

Water with strong current. Waterfalls. Wet canyon rope techniques required.

II

Time or Grade indicates the length of the adventure.

I - 

Short. A couple of hours.

II - 

Requires about a half day.

III - 

Normally requires most of a day.

IV - 

Expected to take a long day. Get up early, bring a headlamp. Possible bivy.

V - 

More than one day. Normally done in two days.

VI - 

Two full days or more.

Additional Risk Rating indicates the presence of more risk factors than might be expected.

No Rating - 

Normal risk factors are present on this adventure.

R - 

One or more extraordinary risk factors exist that complicate the descent. Solid technical skills and sound judgment required. Not appropriate for beginners, even with competent leadership.

X - 

Multiple risk factors exist that will complicate the descent. Errors in technique or judgment will likely result in serious injury or death. Descent should be attempted by expert canyoneers only. This is the least-well-established part of the rating system, and the most subjective. Use by beta-providers varies widely, to the point that this part of the rating means very little.

Longest Rappel

100 ft

Number of Rappels

9 -

11

Country: united states

State/Province: UT

City or Nearest City: Mt Carmel

Approaches:

Approach Icon

First Rappel:

First Rappel Icon

Last Rappel:

Last Rappel Icon

Exits:

Exit Icon

Calculate time for your adventure

Select your approach, exit, and any shuttles in order to calcualte an estimated time

1. Approaches:

2. Canyon Time:

3 hour(s), 30 minute(s).

3. Exit Time:

4. Shuttle Times / Other:

Shuttle from 4X4 Trailhead

17.5 mins

The shuttle back to Birch Hollow Trailhead from the Orderville Canyon Trailhead is pretty straightforward. Once, you reach North Fork Canyon Rd, take a right back to the Birch trailhead.

Total Adventure Time:

(select route options above)

Seasonal Gear Recommendations
for Birch Hollow Canyon

Birch Hollow Rappels

9 - 11 rappels

Descending the first rappel in Birch Canyon

Rappel 1

Length: 100 ft

Type of Rappel: Optional

Coordinates: 37.314939,-112.870454

Rappel 1 AnchorAnchor Icon

There is webbing slung around the base of a sturdy small tree that stands about 15 from the edge of the first rappel.


Overview

Rappel down a wall with loose rock about 100 ft. to the gully bottom. This rappel feels much bigger because of how open the canyon is at this point.

Tips

Watch for loose falling rocks on this rappel, especially if you are belaying.



Looking down the second rappel in Birch Hollow

Rappel 2

Length: 65 ft

Type of Rappel: Overhang

Rappel 2 AnchorAnchor Icon

There is webbing slung around a fallen tree in the watercourse about 25 from the edge of the rappel.


Overview

Rappel down a to a ledge and then down to the ground on this unique second rappel. There is usually a spring trickling water down the wall in front of you as you go down.



Downclimbing rappel 3 in Birch Hollow

Rappel 3

Length: 12 ft

Type of Rappel: Optional Downclimb

Anchor Icon

More anchor information coming soon.


Overview

From rappel 2 walk down canyon a few minutes and the canyon will slot up for the first time. Shortly after beginning the first slot section you will come upon the third rappel. Rappel or downclimb about 12 ft. There is a good anchor point to throw up a belay if anybody downclimb want a backup. The downclimb will be easy for experienced downclimbers.


the bottom of rappel 4 in Birch Hollow

Rappel 4

Length: 13 ft

Anchor Icon

More anchor information coming soon.


Overview

Rappel a short drop over a large bolder.


Starting rappel 5 in Birch Hollow

Rappel 5

Length: 20 ft

Anchor Icon

More anchor information coming soon.


Overview

Rappel down a slick and sloped wall for about 20 ft. Walk for a few minutes down the canyon after this rappel. The canyon will open up a bit and you will see more large pine trees along the route.



Rappelling down the biggest rappel in Birch Hollow

Rappel 6

Length: 100 ft

Rappel 6 AnchorAnchor Icon

A large pine provides a sturdy anchor for this rappel. It is located on the left-hand side of the watercourse about 15 ft. from the edge. There is webbing tied around the tree.


Overview

This is the the start of the second slot section of Birch Hollow. You will descend down a beautiful fluted chute that is slick. The rappel entry is perpendicular to the watercourse. Enjoy this rappel. The rest of the rappel will come in quick secession after this big drop. Rappel 7 is about 20 ft. down the canyon from the bottom of rappel 6.



Looking back up at rappel 7 in Birch Hollow

Rappel 7

Length: 32 ft

Rappel 7 AnchorAnchor Icon

There are two bolted hangers on right-hand side of the canyon right about at eye-level.


Overview

Go down a skinny chute that widens out at the bottom.


Heading down the 8th rappel in Birch Hollow

Rappel 8

Length: 41 ft

Rappel 8 AnchorAnchor Icon

This rappel is anchored from two bolted hangers and webbing.


Overview



Starting the 9th rappel in Birch Hollow

Rappel 9

Length: 30 ft

Rappel 9 AnchorAnchor Icon

Two bolted hangers and webbing are in place as the anchor.


Overview



Looking up the 10th rappel in Birch Hollow

Rappel 10

Length: 70 ft

Rappel 10 AnchorAnchor Icon

Two bolted hangers with webbing.


Overview

Rappel 70 ft. down a smooth and slick wall to a landing where the last rappel's anchor is located.



Stopping at the top of rappel 11 in Birch Hollow

Rappel 11

Length: 62 ft

Coordinates: 37.322928,-112.876082

Rappel 11 AnchorAnchor Icon

Two bolted hangers with webbing


Overview

Rappel down a final smooth chute to the canyon bottom. From the bottom it is a short scramble down canyon until Birch Hollow empties into Orderville Canyon and the exit.